[Updated] Holiday calendar to help you get a handle on things happening around the community in December from Photos with Santa to where to ring in the New Year with the kids

It starts with Mountains of Art and the Gathering of Artists, and ends with New Years Eve. That’s right. Your calendar is about to explode. We’ve tried to round up some of the festive things happening in the ‘hood this month. Click each event for more information.

It’s a work-in-progress. We’ll endeavour to keep it updated as we hear of more.

Also consider carving out a few moments to contribute to the Pemberton Food Bank and Christmas hamper program. You can donate cash, gifts or a hamper to a local family in need through The Pemberton Christmas Hamper Program. If you know of a family in need or are a family in need, please apply by December 1. For more information, contact loralee.seitz@sscs.ca. Donate at: www.sscs.ca/support-us

Saturday November 25, 10am – 4pm,Gathering of the Artists:Culture, arts and crafts, loony auction, bingo and concession for snacks and food. Support Lil’wat artists and shop for Christmas. Ullus Community Complex.

Saturday November 25, 7pm – 9 pm,Mountains of Art: a one night gallery gala, celebrating art in the mountains. Art work for show, sale and silent auction to raise funding for the Pemberton Arts Council’s future programming. Music, food, libations and a free shuttle to and from Pemberton. Tickets $25. Black Squirrel.

Friday December 1, 4pm – 6pm, Holiday Singalong with Ira. Growing Great Children presents a singalong at the Downtown Community Barn. Sing your favorite carols and holiday songs with Ira! Kick off the festive season in the magical downtown barn! Move and groove with Olaf and the Pemberton Firefighters. Pizza and hot chocolate will be available by donation. This is a free family friendly event! Special thanks to the sponsors who made this event possible: Grimms Deli, Brooklyn’s Pizza, Event Rental Works

Saturday December 2, 2pm, Help the library team decorate their Christmas tree.

Drop in anytime between the designated hours with your family and of course, your pup, for photos with Santa! Christmas cookie decorating for kids, viewing of SANTA PAWS the movie, hot chocolate by the fire and more! Christmas treats for your furry family members too!

Sunday December 3, 10am – 2pm – those without dogs might want to head up to Helmer’s Farm for an open house and mini farm festival, and the chance to stock up on homegrown treats.

December 10, Have your photo taken with Santa, and pancake breakfast, at Pemberton Secondary. Fundraiser for the grads of 2018.

Sunday, December 17th– Community Christmas Carol Sing at 7 p.m. at St., David’s Church on the hill. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday, December 24th at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve service at St. David’s.

Sunday, 31 December, 3pm until late! Winterfest, Pemberton Community Centre. The new Winterfest is remade as a family-friendly New Years’ Eve celebration, with the Polar Bear Swim as a New Year’s Day event.

Winterfest celebrates winter, the natural beauty of Pemberton’s outdoors, winter sports and recreation and the gathering of community members and visitors alike. And this year, we are changing things up slightly by hosting at New Year’s Celebration to honour the end of Canada 150 and kick-off 2018!

This year’s FREE, family friendly event will offer up a variety of fun activities and events at the Pemberton Community Centre and One Mile Lake including a Kids Zone, movie, fireworks, the infamous Polar Bear Plunge and more!